PAITA, Peru -- On October 12th, the Peruvian Navy reported the sinking of one of its recently acquired LAV-IIs (Light Armored Vehicle) during an amphibious training exercises as a result of an abrupt change in sea conditions. Two crewmembers of the vehicle are reported to have lost their lives in the incident. The vehicle was participating in the annual exercises known as Multinational Operation of Amphibious Response or 'Solidarex' 2019. The exercises is intended to build regional capacity for disaster response and preparedeness among participating armed forces. Officials from the Navy have stated that an investigation will be launched into the causes of the sinking.
The Peruvian Navy acquired its inventory of 32 LAV-II vehicles in 2016 from prime contractor General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada at a contract cost of around $67 million. The vehicles are utilized by the Peruvian Navy's 3,000 strong naval infantry component.